FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005
Contact: Jane Norris
(202) 401-9215
ACF Provides $1.3 Billion to States for Energy Aid
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week announced $1.3 billion to help low-income families pay their heating bills. The funds are being sent to states, tribes and territories through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by ACF. The $1.3 billion are regular block grant funds that are being provided to states under the continuing resolution, and represent the states’ initial requests of a portion of their total year funding under LIHEAP.
“Millions of Americans will get help paying their heating bills this winter because of these funds,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “Working with states, tribes and territories, we're providing the assistance that will help families stay safe and warm.”
With these funds, states can begin assisting low income households immediately this fall and early winter and help those households currently in need to deal with current higher fuel prices and colder temperatures to come.
“This energy assistance program will help children and families across the nation,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “We will continue to work closely with states, especially those in states hit hardest by the recent hurricanes, so they have what they need to keep low-income children and families warm in the months ahead.”
This week’s funding follows $27.25 million in emergency energy assistance to states hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina. A total of $20.35 million in emergency LIHEAP funds remain available for crises. HHS is closely monitoring the situation in the context of Katrina recovery.
More than 4.5 million low-income households across the country receive LIHEAP assistance each year. The program helps eligible families pay for home heating and insulation in winter and cooling their homes in the warmer months.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency or by clicking on the agency directory at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/directry.htm.
To see the total amount given to each state, view: www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2005/liheap_assistance.htm.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news